3 shot vs 5 shot for ocw test

Typically 5 shot groups are a better indication of how accurate a given load is. Taken in context 3 shot groups work very well for the intended purpose of OCW testing where the "grouping" of the points of impact for the various charge weights is what is important.

Loading more then three rounds of each charge weight comes in handy if you pull a shot and need a do-over.

OFG
 
I like to use 3-shot groups for load development and finding that OCW. After that, I will switch to 5-shot groups to confirm. Statistically, 3-shots give you very little info. But they do help to provide you a starting point without wasting a lot of components on loads that don't shoot well.
 
3 shot groups are plenty if you do as they say (your part)
I don't want to waste components
and I don't want to waste a bunch of time waiting for barrel to cool down
takes long enough as it is
and if I do end up pulling one -I just note it